by Cate Storm

With its unique blend of Western architecture and Cantonese style, Macau has been a popular destination for blockbuster movies and art films alike. So, we’ve compiled a list of the five best movies featuring Macau.

The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

The ninth movie in the James Bond franchise was Roger Moore’s second appearance as agent 007. It was also one of the first blockbusters to put the spotlight on Macau. Indeed, the city takes central stage as most of the action revolves around a floating casino by the name of the “Macau Palace”.

Unfortunately, the real brick-and-mortar casino shut down in 2007. But the boat’s unique look and atmosphere left a lasting impression on both movie-goers and gamblers.

Forty years later, James Bond returned to Macau, portrayed by Daniel Craig. Lauded as one of the best Bond movies, Skyfall features the fictional Golden Dragon Casino. However, the Macau scenery is but a studio recreation.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Eagerly awaited by comic book fans, Shang-Chi spearheaded Marvel’s phase 4 along with Black Widow. Thus, the movie became the latest addition to the blockbusters shot in Macau. And the film’s Macau scenes surely can pack a punch. Without going too deep into spoiler territory, they boast some tightly choreographed fight scenes, as well as the return of a beloved character from the MCU.

With a swooping audience score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was well received by fans. The critics also praised the film’s refreshing fusion of old-school kung fu movies and modern superhero storytelling.

Johnny English Reborn (2011)

Spy action meets goofy humour in this British comedy film. Far removed from the elegant flair of Agent 007, Rowan Atkinson reprises his role as a clumsy and accident-prone MI6 agent. And in this sequel, Johnny English hunts down international assassins on a mission to eliminate Chinese Premier Xiang Ping.

As a result, a good chunk of the action takes place in Macau. The movie even features shots of the city’s tallest building, the Casino Grand Lisboa. With its bold architecture, this iconic landmark is nicknamed the Giant Golden Pineapple.

Now You See Me 2: The Second Act (2016)

In 2013, Now You See Me became a worldwide hit. So, it was only fair that a sequel rode the wave of success three years later. In The Second Act, the Four Horsemen have to pull off one of their most elaborate heists. From Jesse Eisenberg to Mark Ruffalo, the movie boasts a cast full of familiar faces. But Hollywood legends such as Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine also join in on the action.

And in a movie full of tricksters and illusionists, there were few better filming locations than Macau. The Venetian particularly steals the show, as the world’s second-largest casino is the perfect stage for some grand card tricks. But you don’t need to fly to Macau to enjoy the casino experience, too. Nowadays, the best casino games are all available on your mobile phone. Mobile casinos offer hundreds of gaming options, from fun-filled slots to table games. Gamblers can even claim mobile-exclusive bonuses just for signing up. So, take advantage of your free spins or no-deposit bonus to hit the jackpot.

Exiled (2006)

Exiled takes place in Macau just before the Portuguese colony’s return to China. Two hitmen are dispatched to the city to take the life of a former mobster. But their plan is soon thwarted by a pair of past associates.

In this tense action drama, Hong Kong director Johnnie To takes an original approach to the well-worn crime genre. That’s why critics praised the movie, some even comparing it to the early Spaghetti Western movies. Exiled was also in competition for the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival.

Are you looking for an exciting backdrop for your next movie night? Macau’s flashy casinos and historic buildings look pretty good on the big screen. So, from high-budget action movies to film noirs, there’s something for every taste in the Las Vegas of the East.